One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Penne Pasta
A comforting one-pot pasta dish simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with fresh basil, ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, medium onion chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat; add 1 chopped medium onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in a 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 12 oz dry penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; cook uncovered for 2 more minutes until sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot garnished with extra basil or cheese if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Penne Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Penne Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Penne Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Penne Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Penne Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
